The increase of paper usage and correspondence prompted the need for producing more complex and specialized desks. Steel desks were introduced to take heavier loads of paper and withstand the pounding dished out on typewriters. Refinements to those first desk forms were considerable through the 19th century. The new desks can be transformed into many different shapes and angles which is ideal for artists.

Desk and Table Combinations: As mentioned above there are circumstances where more work space (or meeting space) is required. In this instance a combination of desk and writing or library table could be appropriate (or boardroom type table).